Rebound WA, previously know as Wheelchair Sports WA, is a charity aimed at providing newly disabled people of all ages the opportunity to fully engage in society through a range of sports programs.
Many of the members at Rebound WA have experienced a life changing event that has left them with a physical diasability and at the lowest point in their lives. The organisation’s mantra is “we help people with physical disability to rebound from adversity.”
With the help of the dedicated staff at Rebound WA, its members are able to participate in a variety of sports despite their physical limitations.
“The Honda Foundation is honoured to support this great initiative delivered by Rebound WA,” said Chairman of The Honda Foundation, Mr. Stephen Collins.
“We are delighted that the donation of the Rugby Wheelchairs will impact not only the clients, but the wider community."
The Wheelchair Rugby Program allows newly disabled people to be active, and this has proven to have a positive impact on their physical and mental health.
Wheelchair Rugby Australia player Jack Howe, began his journey into Wheelchair Rugby using an old second-hand chair supplied by Rebound WA. Mr Howe has since represented WA in wheelchair rugby on a number of occasions, and has been selected for the Australian team in this year’s Wheelchair Rugby World Championships.
Programs Coordinator at Rebound WA, Hayden Lewis, said the charity was incredibly grateful to The Honda Foundation for its philanthropic support.
"The new Wheelchair Rugby chairs will open possibilities for even more Western Australians living with a physical disability to engage in physical activity tailored to them, in an inclusive and social environment.
“The highly specialised equipment can be very expensive and results in a significant barrier to new and ongoing participation. Having more chairs available makes it possible for new players to engage in sport amongst peers, benefiting both their physical and mental health," added Mr Lewis.
What is The Honda Foundation?
The Honda Foundation aims to assist local communities at a grassroots level, across Australia.
For every new Honda vehicle sold in Australia, the Honda dealership donates $5 and Honda Australia donates $10, taking the total to $15 that goes into a donation pool.
Last year Honda Australia sold 46,783 vehicles, so each donation has a direct impact and provides strong support for The Honda Foundation.
More than $10 million has been donated to hundreds of worthy causes, including empowering disadvantaged Australians, providing relief for victims of natural disasters and supporting the development of new technologies and research to fight disease.
In Western Australia alone, The Honda Foundation has donated almost $620,000 since inception 26 years ago.